Tomography

By skinner_jennifer

Sat, 18 Apr 2026
  • 334 reads
18 comments
 

Dear diary...

 
I was back to the hospital on Thursday 16th April 2026. Appointment with the doctor to find out the results of my very stressful test of  having a camera down through my nose to scan my lungs.
I think child birth was easier, but mainly because the camera was affecting my breathing and the coughing became constant. 
 
They wanted to take a sample from my lung, but after so much stress, I couldn't handle it. Even though I'd signed a form allowing them to perform the procedure, I was very glad they stopped.
 
The doctor informed me that I would have to come in again for a Tomography scan guided lung biopsy. That means having a chest scan. A mark placed on the chest to locate the abnormality.
 
The skin is then cleaned with an antiseptic and numbed with a local a anaesthetic. Then they guide a needle into the correct position through the skin.
 
I agreed to having it done, because the doctor said it was the only way to get to the bottom of the problem.
 
But after reading the leaflet when I got home, I'm not so convinced. It's a risk that I'm not sure if I want to go with. They said on the leaflet that complications could arise during or after the procedure, and although rare have been associated with a risk of death.
 
The collapsed lung is now ringing in my ears. I know I'd be in hospital if anything should go wrong, but the fact they want to mess with my lung at all sends shivers through me. 
 
The doctor said she won't give me anything until she knows for certain what the problem is, But the leaflet says that occasionally the results of the biopsy are not always clear, which would mean more tests.
 
I have found out that I've now got an allergy to dust. I am going around cleaning every day now and it's very time consuming and tiring, especially with how I feel.
 
My partner has been very good cleaning the downstairs, while I concentrate on the upstairs. You wouldn't believe the amount of dust that can accumulate even over night with dead skin and dust off clothes. 
 
I think I've got dust on the brain as well as the chest, because it's an endless battle.in my thoughts.
 
I've a feeling I might cancel the Tomography and just live with this awful coughing, rather than put my body through anymore trauma than I've already done.
 
I wonder what others would do in my situation. Would they go ahead and get the procedure done, or just live with the coughing?
 
For me it's a tricky one, because my gut feeling keeps telling me that having a biopsy taken from my lung is a dangerous procedure.
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Comments

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Have you had a telephone conversation with one of your GPs about it and your concerns, Jenny? That can be helpful as they aren't deeply involved with the procedure but can give general thoughts about it and in a more conversational way. It should be easy to arrange through the reception by telephone. 

Rhiannon

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Rhiannon,

no I haven't spoken to the doctors at the surgery. The thing I'm most worried about is my anxiety. My chest is so tight and the coughing when I breathe seems to be getting worse. 

The doctor at the hospital as prescribed me a tablet of 1mg of Lorazepam to take half before I leave the house and then the other half when I get to the hospital. It's supposed to calm me down. 

After reading the comments on here, I shall have to re think having the procedure. My chest is so painful and breathing is becoming a nightmare.

Thank you for your advice. I will think about phoning the surgery depending on my state of mind, as I've been crying so much lately. It's just great when I get moments from coughing.

I really appreciate your kind words.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by GlosKat on

Hi Jenny

I'm so sorry you have to make this decision.  I read the following NHS leaflet, which might well be the one you've got.

https://www.wwl.nhs.uk/media/.leaflets/68f77d99bfff81.93830861.pdf

 Every prescription medicine comes with a leaflet full of scary, but rare, set of side effects. The NHS has to quantify all the risks, mainly I suspect so that they can't be sued afterwards for not making the risks clear. 

The risks of your operation are numerically very small, and as you say, if they do occur you are already in a hospital. And after you go home you have someone in the house to keep an eye on you.  Whereas the benefits seem potentially huge - the chances are high that you might finally get a definite diagnosis and the right treatment.

I have known people who have had collapsed lungs.  Although painful, it is relatively easy to treat, they just pump it back up with oxygen, and you will be in the right place already for that. And don't forget you have two lungs, and they will only be taking the biopsy from one of them (I assume), so you will still have one perfectly functional lung.

I know all this is easy for me to say, because it's not me that has to do it.  But whatever you decide we are here for you.  Kat xx

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Kat,

I know what you mean about the NHS quantifying all the risks and covering themselves if anything should go wrong. For me though I feel like I'm caught between the devil and the deep blue sea. I've seen everyones comments and have decided I'll more than likely go ahead with the procedure as I want to get to the bottom of what's wrong, I just hope they find something, because I don't want to have to go through it all over again.

The chest coughing is causing my breathing to be so painful on top of everything else. Being told I need to keep on top of the cleaning too is hard, even the slightest bit of dust causes me to cough. 

You know I hadn't even been in a hospital since the early 80s up until 2017 when I had my first hip replacement. Now it seems like I'm a constant medical worry. I can't understand why I suddenly have an allergic reaction to dust, because I never used to.

I do appreciate being able to talk on abc tales, because it does help to speak my feelings and have such wonderful support from you and others on here.

I'm eternally grateful and thank you so much for your advice.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by GlosKat on

Jenny I think there are two separate issues here.  One is the physical problem with your lung, and the other is the psychological state you are in.

So far as the physical problem with your lung goes – let the NHS handle this.  They are on the case, just put yourself into their hands.  Let them, as willingly as you can, do their diagnoses and prescribe your treatment. 

As regards your psychological state, well nobody knows better than me how badly anxiety can affect you physically.  I've ended up weighing seven and a half stone with pneumonia because of the terrible mental state I'd got myself in over my, and the cat's, physical illnesses and operations, that the NHS, and the vet, were dealing with perfectly well.    

Allergies are very affected by stress.  So are breathing and sleeping and appetite and everything you need to stay healthy.  Stress and anxiety will give you new horrible physical symptoms, and exacerbate existing ones.

So my advice is this.  Firstly, let the NHS handle the physical side, and go with it as willingly as your are able.

Secondly, have a plan to reduce your anxiety as much as you can.  This is very much in your hands and what I believe you need to concentrate on.  There is a wealth of help available out there.  I did an online course called 'Mindfulness For Stress' with a company called Breathworks. There are various topics covered which I believe would help you such as dealing with 'sticky thoughts' or 'unwanted thoughts'.   I found this tremendously helpful, and once you have joined them you have access to all their material for ever, for free. They also do a free weekly online meditation which is available to anyone.  They are a lovely bunch of people and very supportive.

I also found that when I was anxious and stressed, I was too anxious and stressed to do anything about being anxious and stressed !  It's so easy to get trapped in a vicious circle.  My big problem was that I had no partner and no family to help.  You have a partner and son,  I hope they are being proactive in helping you manage your anxiety.

And don't forget I'm only just down the road – I can come and visit you, I can take you to GWH if you want.  You know my email address, don't be shy of asking.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Many thanks for your advice Kat. yes

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by insertponceyfre... on

I'm so sorry you're in such a quandary Jenny. These things are always daunting and like Gloskat says, all the warning s on everything sound way more alarming than you'd expect. I've never had that procedure but I think if it were me I'd go ahead because again, like Kat says, you'd be in the best place for them to fix anything that goes awry, and on the balance of probabilities it probably won't - and the end result would be so worth it

Have you thought of possibly learning some relaxation techniques that you could put into use when you feel like your thoughts are running away from you? I know you used to be a red hot aerobics teacher, but perhaps you did yoga or meditation too? You can find all that stuff online now so you could just lie down and practice for a short time each day

Of course the ultimate relaxation thing would be to have a go at Turlough's poetry challenge. He's only looking for 17 words so it wouldn't tire you out too much. I bet you could think of something for it!

I'll keep my fingers crossed that you feel better soon!

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Yes you're right It is a quandary insert. I'm still not in a good way and try to read when I can, but I can't seem to concentrate on writing, just finding it so difficult to do the every day things I used to do so easily. Even speaking is hard, so to be able to type what I'm feeling makes life a lot easier.

If I felt well enough I would love to have a go at the poetry challenge, but for now I will have to decline as I can't focus, it's like I can't concentrate on anything but my chest and the procedure. But my brain is working at a hundred miles an hour, thinking of all the dail jobs that need doing, it's exhausting.

I would love to meditate, but need to be able to breathe properly which is a real problem at the moment. We went out to buy some Hypo - Allergic pillows today and mattress covers. It was so tiring and left me breathless once again.

I'm such a mess and just want an end to all of this. I'm really trying hard to look after myself. Having no social life doesn't help either, but the housework keeps me busy with the constant cleaning. Oh! Dear I do sound like a proper moaning minnie. Sorry about that.

I used to be so into dance aerobics and fitness and loved it. But I have my memories. The strange thing is I've never smoked and don't even touch alcohol anymore, but thankfully I've not lost my appetite and just enjoy eating healthy food...thank goodness.

Think I'll heed Kat's words and go ahead with the procedure, it has helped that everyone thinks it's the best thing to do, and I do listen.

Many thanks for your kind words which mean a lot.

Jenny,

 

Submitted by Starfish Girl on

Hi Jenny

Thanks for the update.

I can appreciate your fears. My arthritis is getting worse and I keep putting off seeing the doctor, thoughts of a major opp and after care not nice but I know I would be so much better and more active if I did something about it.

Contra indications for all treatments are scary just reading those on paracetemol or asprin would give you pause for thought.

I also think you should seriously consider the procedure but also have an in depth conversation with someone.

Take care

Lindyx

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Lindy,

I'm so sorry about your Arthritis, that's really horrible and makes life so difficult. I know how I was before my hip replacement, I couldn't even walk from the bed to the bathroom without a walking stick it was so painful.

We are so brave going through these traumas which can make life hell. I will be going for the procedure, and just hope everything goes okay. 

You take care and I hope you will find strength as I will need in the next coming weeks.

Take care and thank you for sharing your comment Lindy.

Jenny xx

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

A scary experience again, but it is very good that doctors are taking your health seriously? And they are aware of your anxiety. I can't give any advice, as am a complete coward. Only that, I put off and put off until it did seem possible I'd conk out completely. The hospital in Glasgow was so clean, and the nurses so lovely. Completely different to my experience of giving birth, in Paisley. I feel I have been given an extra life :0) How calm and clean and friendly a hospital seems is really important. Is your local hospital the best one you can go to?

Talking this over, on here and with as many people you know as you can, is a really good idea. Is there a kind gp in your practice? Could you make one of those 3 week in advance appointments, so you have time to get used to the idea of talking about it, before you have to? Not easy if talking makes you cough! Fears can seem a bit like monsters prowling round the house in the dark, so finding out what your chest problem might be, and how easy or hard these possibles would be to cure is like shining a big bright torch through the window, perhaps the monsters are not so big as they sound.
Somebody very calm told me, when I am worrying, to think, whatever it is, it is not happening right now. And then, when it is happening, it is not going to last very long.

I am so glad you posted your experience Jenny, Thank You. Please tell everyone here what you are going through, as we all care so much about you.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hello Di,

you always give such wonderful advice and I was sorry to here of your experience, but was glad that everything worked out in the end.

For me the NHS has a lot to be desired. But as with anything there's good and bad in all. I'm one of those people that can tell when someone is being honestly kind and not being false just to impress someone above them. I have to admit that when I went in for the last procedure, I found the staff to be all smiles and telling me not to worry all the time, it was so condescending which left me with even more anxiety. I must have an expression of worry on my face all the time, because it's how people that don't know me percieve me, but I can't help the way I feel and look. I just wish they'd get on with the procedure and act as if they're in charge to give me some confidence in them doing their job.

Talking is very hard work at the moment and I find myself catching my breath with each word that escapes my mouth, so being able to express I feel on here helps enormously.

Thank you for listening to my dear diary thoughts Di. It's always a pleasure to hear from you and I'm grateful for your words of comfort.

Jenny. xx

 

 

Submitted by Di_Hard on

WELL DONE having your courage to go through the next step. Remember, always, that you are a true poet, you have a great gift of communication. You have the strength inside

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

I'm always grateful for your words Di.

Hopefully when I've found out what exactly is wrong with me and I'm cured, I will be able to write again.

Many thanks.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by Turlough on

Hello Jenny.

I really feel for you with the dilemma you’re faced with. I can understand how distressing the illness itself must be for you but the warnings that come with the tests obviously make things even worse.

However, I’m inclined to agree with the others who have commented. If you have the test at least you will be in the right place if further medical support is needed but if you don’t go through with it you might be worrying forever about what it is that you may or may not be suffering from. I don’t know what your decision would be but I aways feel that worrying isn’t as bad if I know exactly what I’m worrying about.

As for the dust allergy, well you‘d be very welcome if you came to our house but the dust would have you on the plane home in minutes. Even our animals sometimes seem unhappy about it.

Whatever the problem is I really hope that the medical people will get to the bottom of it soon and do something that will make you more comfortable both physically and in your troubled thoughts. And good on you for keeping us up to date with what's going on. It can't be an easy thing to write about.

Very best wishes to you.

Turlough

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Turlough,

you know I can't believe it, I've been up since 4am this morning and here it is 11pm. I'm dreading bedtime, but sleep eventually calls.

I'm grateful for your wise words which were most helpful. I had a phone call from the hospital today and I'm due to go in on Thursday 30th April...wish me luck! Think of me at around 10.20 am, because that's when I'm due the procedure. I just hope this produces results, because if it doesn't the doctor will send me for more tests which I dread, but I know that getting to the bottom of what's going on is important,

You know I never used to suffer allergic reaction to dust, it's only since I've had this chest problem. I used to think it was hay fever, until it started affecting me in the winter too. 

All I hope is that its not cancer, because the doctor said she's still not ruling it out which is a worry, but I'm trying to be positive and will be so grateful if everything is okay after such a long time, and she can give me something to clear my chest.

Anyway Turlough thank you again and your best wishes are welcome.

Jenny.

 

Submitted by marandina on

It's a difficult one, Jenny. Risk v reward. There's risk with most procedures. It just depends whether you can live with it. Logic suggests getting to the bottom of it all as, that way, you have the chance of an effective remedy. Coughing for the rest of your days seems a high price to pay. Let your conscience guide you and take your time. Sometimes the right thing to do just suddenly hits you and you run with it. Take good care of yourself, either way. Paul x

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

Hi Paul,

I certainly don't want to be coughing like I am for the rest of my life. I was just saying to Turlough that the hospital rang today and I'm booked in for the procedure on Thursday 30th April, so now I just want to get it over and done with.

Life is such a gamble that I never thought I'd have to face something like this, having been healthy up until 2017 when I had my first hip replacement. In fact the nurses said they couldn't believe I'd not been in a hospital since the early 80s and that was just for having my wisdom teeth out.

I know someone who is a year older than me and she;s never seen a doctor in her life, never been in hospital, she never had any covid jabs and still works to this day...it's crazy. 

Sorry going on like this, I seem to be opening up so easily. I'm grateful to talk out my feelings.

Very grateful for your rational words.

Jenny. x